precise
gb/pɹɪsˈaɪs/ us/pɹɪsˈaɪs/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Exact and accurate
Clear and exact, with no mistakes or extra information.
Usage pattern:
[something] is precise
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'precise' with 'concise'. 'Precise' means exact; 'concise' means brief.
Synonyms
exact (Very close in meaning; 'exact' is slightly more common in everyday speech.)
|
accurate (Focuses more on correctness than on detail.)
Antonyms
imprecise (Lacking exactness or accuracy.)
|
vague (Lacking clarity or specific details.)
Collocations
precise measurement
|precise location
|precise instructions
|precise timing
|precise details
Themes
communication
|measurement
|science
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- The scientist took precise measurements of the sample.
- She gave me precise directions to her house.
- We need a precise estimate of the costs before we proceed.
- His language was precise and easy to understand.
Learner examples
- The map shows the precise location of the school.
- He gave a precise answer to the question.
- We need precise numbers for the report.
- Her watch is very precise.
adjective
B2
property
2
Strictly accurate or correct
Careful to follow rules or be exact in what you do.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is precise about [something]
Synonyms
meticulous (Emphasizes extreme care and attention to small details.)
|
punctilious (Formal term for being very careful about rules and correctness.)
Antonyms
careless (Not giving enough attention to accuracy or detail.)
Collocations
precise manner
|precise approach
|precise method
Themes
behavior
|work
|personality
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is very precise about how her desk is arranged.
- The editor was precise in correcting every error in the manuscript.
- He has a precise way of folding his clothes.
Learner examples
- My teacher is precise about grammar rules.
- He is precise when he makes coffee.
- She is precise about time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
precise
IPA
GB/pɹɪsˈaɪs/
US/pɹɪsˈaɪs/
Syllables & stress
pre - cise (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cise)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: precise
Word family
Expressions
precisely speaking
1/pɹɪsˈaɪsli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
Stating with maximum accuracy
Used when you want to say something in the most accurate way possible.
Examples
- Precisely speaking, the law applies only to vehicles on public roads.
- That’s not, precisely speaking, what the report said.
to be precise
1/tə bˈi pɹɪsˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
To clarify with exact detail
Used when you want to give more exact information about something you just said.
Examples
- We met a few years ago—three years ago, to be precise.
- The trip takes a long time—two hours, to be precise.